Austria 1908 – 2 Heller Mercury Newspaper Stamp – Scott P15 / Michel 157

Attractive unused example of Austria's 1908 2-Heller newspaper stamp, featuring Mercury, the Roman messenger god, wearing his characteristic winged helmet.

Special newspaper stamps were used in Austria because newspapers were carried at postal rates different from ordinary letters. Mercury had long been associated with Austrian newspaper postage, making the classical messenger god an especially appropriate subject.

This 1908 issue was printed in dark blue and issued imperforate. The 2-Heller value was by far the most heavily used denomination of the series, paying the rate for a single newspaper. Specialist sources note that newspaper stamps were produced in extremely large quantities, particularly the 2-Heller value.

Catalogue references: Scott P15 • Michel 157

Condition: Mint hinged with apparent original gum and a large old hinge/paper remnant on the reverse, causing noticeable gum disturbance. No postal cancellation. Attractive strong blue colour with very large margins on all four sides and a clean central impression. Minor age-related toning and small reverse marks. Imperforate as issued. Ungraded and uncertified.